Consumer acceptability and storage stability of double fortified salt

Double fortified salt (DFS) having iron and iodine, has been formulated for tackling the problems of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). The present research was designed to study the consumption pattern and storage practices of salt and determine the effect of household storage on the stability of iodine in DFS and Iodized salt (IS)/Common salt. The study also aimed at assessing the consumer acceptability of DFS. A survey in 39 markets and 135 shops in five zones of Delhi revealed the presence of 19 brands of IS. The iodine content of two brands was less than the prescribed limit of 15 ppm. All (N=90) families surveyed, used packaged IS. The different types of containers used to store salt at home were documented. Air tight containers showed minimum loss of iodine during storage. Sensory evaluation revealed overall acceptability of dishes prepared with DFS. All households were given a trial pack of DFS; about 70% reported that they liked the salt. The study highlights the need for an informative marketing strategy which would create awareness about benefits of DFS and also help consumers to use and store it in ways to minimize iodine losses.